The actor-director has succeeded with Measure R, which requires residents to vote on any development over 20,000 square feet

Under the measure, Malibu residents would be required to vote on any development over 20,000 square feet. The measure also would limit the amount of space allotted to chain stores in new commercial developments citywide.

In a heated debate recently against the measure's chief opponent, developer and Los Angeles Police Commission president Steve Soboroff, Reiner argued that overdevelopment is ruining the seaside community.

The veteran actor-director is a Brentwood resident with a house in Malibu. Soboroff is a local powerhouse who developed Montana Avenue and bailed out Staples/L.A. Live and Playa Vista projects in the '90s. He has plans to develop a Whole Foods Market store and park in Malibu.

In a statement, Reiner called the result "a major victory for the residents of Malibu, all of whom now have a stronger voice over the future of our community."

"Measure R will help preserve the unique character of Malibu and combat increased traffic and the destruction of open spaces by giving voters a say on the 1.5 million square feet of commercial development currently planned in the heart of the city and on future development plans," he added, thanking those who helped get the measure on the ballot and voted for it.

Reiner then urged the implementation and defense of the measure.

"We now call on the Malibu City Council and City Attorney to swiftly implement Measure R and vigorously defend it against promised attacks from developers who opposed the law," Reiner said. "Passing a ballot measure is no small task and the success of Measure R serves as a wake-up call for all those who dismissed it and campaigned against it."

Soboroff sent a note of congratulations to Reiner at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Reiner and his wife, Michelle, responded: "Thank you so much. Now that the campaign is over, let's all work
together to preserve the integrity of Malibu."